Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Brittingham Park

Address: | 829 W. Washington Ave. |
Hours: | 4:00am - 10:00pm |
Park Type: | Community |
Acres: | 25.81 |
Restroom: | Yes |
Drinking Water: | Yes |
Shoreline On: | Monona Bay |
Park Details
Alternate addresses for Brittingham Park amenities:
- Beach House & Brittingham Boats - 701 W. Brittingham Place
- Dog Park - 326 S. Broom
- Boat House & Camp Randal Rowing Club - 617 North Shore
Alcohol is prohibited in this park. For more information, see the Madison General Ordinance 8.24. In order to have alcohol in this park, you must have an alcohol permit, which may be obtained through the Parks Administrative Office.
Park Highlights
- An all-inclusive playground opened in the fall of 2017. LEARN MORE

Camp Randall Rowing Club operates out of the Brittingham Boat House, 617 North Shore Drive. Be sure to check their website for details on youth rowing classes, clubs as well as adult programming.
Brittingham Boats operates boat rental, lessons, classes and concessions out of the beach house, 701 W. Brittingham Place.
The restroom facilities are locked, and available with shelter reservation.
3 hour parking at all times in the parking lots. MGO 8.18(2) and (5) and Section 1.08(3)(a)
This park features a memorial to blues guitarist, Luther Allison.
At this Park
-
Basketball Court
OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020): Help us keep the courts open by following these adjustments and precautions.
- Play with members of your immediate household only
- Pickup games are not allowed with persons outside of your immediate household since it is not possible to maintain 6ft physical distancing
- Stay home if you are ill.
- Consider wearing a face-covering.
- Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints.
View COVID-19 for all impacted City services. More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
Madison Parks ranks #1 in the nation for the number of basketball hoops per resident, come check out the hoops in your neighborhood! Most of the basketball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations. View all Basketball Courts-
Brittingham Park - Basketball Court
Location: by beach
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts:
-
Brittingham Park - Basketball Court
Location: by tennis courts
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 1 full
-
B-cycle Station
Madison B-cycle is an urban bike sharing program that allows you to rent bikes. The bikes have adjustable seats for people of all sizes, as well as a basket for easy carrying. To join or learn more visit B-cycle. View all Madison Parks B-cycle Stations -
Beach
Sunrise or sunset? We have some of the best views in town!
View all Beaches
Take in the spectacular lake views at one of these beaches.
Water quality testing is performed Memorial Day through Labor Day by Public Health Madison & Dane County.-
Brittingham Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 701 W. Brittingham Pl.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Beach Details -
Canoe & Kayak Launch Site
Madison Parks offers various locations to launch a canoe or kayak and is allowed at all of Madison Parks motorboat launch sites. Additionally, the parks listed below have a specially designated area for launch.
If you are looking to store your kayak or canoe in a park, please visit the storage webpage.
James Madison Park pier update (07/31/19): The pier at James Madison Parks sustained significant damaged during the flood of 2018 and was removed. Due to FEMA regulations and approvals, the replacement of this pier has been delayed. Unfortunately, we do not have a timeline for its replacement. View all Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites -
Canoe & Kayak Rental
Interested in getting out on one of Madison's lakes but you don't have your own watercraft? No problem! We have partners at locations throughout the city offering these great lake amenities!
View all Canoe & Kayak Rental-
Madison Boats at Brittingham Park
Location: Brittingham Park, 701 W. Brittingham Place
Telephone: (608) 250-2555
More Information: Madison Boats at Brittingham Park
Notes: Available: Canoes, single and tandem kayaks, stand up paddleboards, paddle boats, water mats and fishing boats.
-
-
Dog Off-Leash Park
OPEN WITH PRECAUTIONS: Help keep your dog parks safe places during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow these steps to stay safe and help us keep the dog parks open!
-
Don't touch entry gate, bag stations, trashcans, or other surfaces with your bare hands. Use gloves or cover your hand with a dog waste bag first.
-
Maintain social distancing of at least 6-feet between people, don't gather in groups, and don't pet other dogs.
-
After leaving the dog park, use hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when you get home.
DOG EXERCISE AREAS
- REQUIRED A Dog Park Permit (daily or annual) is required
- An annual permit may be purchased ONLINE or by calling (608)266-4711. It is valid for one calendar year and available after December 1 for the following year.
- TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19: A daily permit may be purchased from the kiosk at any of the 8 off-leash dog parks.
- REQUIRED A dog license is required for ALL visiting dogs. City of Madison residents may purchase through the City Treasurer's Office.
- Dogs visiting from other areas are always welcome with proper license and/or vaccinations from your town/municipality. Be prepared to show proof if asked by a Park Ranger.
- A dog license is ONLY available after a rabies vaccination is administered by a veterinarian within 30 days after the dog reaches 4 months of age. Dogs under 5 months of age or without proper vaccinations, are therefore not licensed and are PROHIBITED.
- REQUIRED Dogs must remain on-leash to/from your vehicle to the inside of the dog park area.
- PROHIBITED AREAS Dogs are not allowed in any Dog Free Park, playgrounds, designated beaches, athletic fields, conservation parks, golf courses (in season) or in any park building. During the winter dogs are not permitted on groomed cross-country ski trails. LEARN MORE
PERMIT FREE DAY Madison Parks in partnership with Dane County Parks annually offer one "free day" per year when no permit is required. This is typically in June and posted at least one month in advance.
On July 13, 2016 the Board of Park Commissioners approved the Policy and Guidelines for Off-Leash Dog Park Service Area Standards within the Madison Park System with Attachment A. The Policy is intended to guide the Parks Division in planning new off-leash dog park (exercise) areas and to set standards for responding to requests for the creation of off-leash dog park (exercise) areas in the Madison Parks system. View all Dog Off-Leash Parks-
Brittingham Park - Dog Off-Leash Park
Location: 326 S. Broom St.
Bag Dispenser: Yes
Benches: Yes
Fountain: Yes
Fencing: Yes
Shelter: No
Notes: .36 acres; renovations in 2019 include synthetic turf, doggy drinking fountain with ADA arm and bowl
-
-
Fireplace
Madison Parks has several park shelters with working fireplaces. You are welcome to use the fireplaces with your park shelter reservation. Hoyt Park also has several refurbished outdoor fireplaces where you can enjoy toasted marshmallows and a quiet evening around a fire. Just remember to bring your own wood and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the park. Please note, fires are not permitted in Vilas Park during the winter months.
View all Fireplaces -
Fishing
Wisconsin residents aged 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Nonresidents aged 16 years old or older need a nonresident fishing license to fish in Wisconsin waters with hook and line. Visit the Wisconsin DNR website for more information.View all FishingEvery year, the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June and the third Saturday and Sunday in January, are designated as Free Fishing Weekends throughout the state of Wisconsin. Residents and nonresidents of all ages can fish without a fishing license (and trout stamps) over these two days. Visit WI DNR -
Historical Feature
More information on historic buildings or district questions may be found in the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development Planning Division.
Wisconsin has the highest concentration of burial mounds in the United States and the Madison area has one of the highest concentrations of burial mounds remaining. Most mounds were lost to 19th-century agricultural practices and city development. The mound builders were farmers who also engaged in hunting and gathering. They lived in small villages and migrated from one to another based on the seasonal availability of natural resources. The mounds often, but not always, have burials associated with them, but their exact purpose is not entirely understood. Mounds tend to have been built in places with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The mounds are considered sacred by modern Native Americans and should be treated with respect.
A Burial Mounds Policy was created with assistance from the Wisconsin Historical Society and the Ho-Chunk Nation, and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners in October 2019, the policy provides guidelines and procedures for managing burial mounds located in Madison Parks. Burial mound locations are also included in the policy.-
Brittingham Boathouse
Location: 617 North Shore Drive
Built: 1910
Description: The construction of this public boathouse represents the spirit of municipal improvement that infused this city at the turn of the last century. The parkland and its model facilities were created through the generosity of lumberman Thomas E. Brittingham and the hard work of a private group, the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association, headed by John M. Olin. The facilities also included a large bath house to the west, which was demolished in the 1960s. In 1921 a wing for more boat storage was added to the south in the same design as the original. George B. Ferry and Alfred C. Clas of Milwaukee were distinguished architects known here for their design of the Wisconsin Historical Society building on campus. The boathouse was built on former marshland and has structural problems as a result. It is planned in the near future to move it a little way to sounder ground and renovate the historic structure.
The boathouse was designated a City of Madison landmark on July 18, 1977 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
More Information: Landmark Nomination
-
-
Open Field
Madison Parks are a unique blend of active recreation and passive recreation spaces. Open Fields are just that - open, not pre-designed as a softball diamond, or football field. These open fields are available in these parks to spark your imagination, play a game of tag, or follow the leader - or anything you can think of! Enjoy your parks!
View all Open Fields-
Brittingham Park - Open Field Games
-
-
Parking Lot
Parking lots are available in these parks for the programs or events in these parks. Parking lots are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm. Overnight parking is not allowed. Parking regulations specific to that park are posted at the entrance of the park. View all Parking Lots -
Playground
OPEN: (Updated 06/15/2020) Playgrounds are open with the following precautions:
- Maintain at least 6' between people outside of your immediate household.
- Consider sanitizing common touchpoints.
- Use hand sanitizer after use.
View all Playgrounds-
Brittingham Park - Playground
-
Brittingham Park - Playground
-
Brittingham Park - Playground
-
Restroom
CLOSED (for the 2020 season), except Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park - North, Warner Boat Launch, and Owen Conservation Park, which are open year-round.
Restrooms are located throughout the parks system and in most cases in a park with a reservable shelter. Most of the restrooms are available only during the summer months. Restrooms available during the winter months include those open for winter activities at the following parks: Tenney, Vilas, Elver, Olbrich, Warner and Westmorland Parks.
No firearms or weapons are permitted on this property. Violators are considered trespassers and subject to forfeiture or arrest. View all Restrooms-
Brittingham Beach Bathhouse
Lighted: Yes
Open Year-Round: No
Notes: Restroom facilities are open when Madison Boats is open.
-
-
Shelter - Reservable
2021 SHELTER RESERVATIONS
- Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). You may check availability and reserve a shelter for 2021 ONLINE or by calling (608) 266-4711.
- Full payment is due at the time of processing your reservation, along with any required permits.
- Credit card (MasterCard or Visa) is the only accepted method of payment.
- Due to COVID-19, the Parks office remains closed to the public and we cannot accept cash or check as payment.
- All reservations are subject our standard cancellation policy.
- See individual shelter details for pricing.
- Prior to reserving, be sure to visit Parks Projects. We are continually improving our park system and some of these improvements may impact a nearby shelter.
- The Shelter Reservations Guide provides details on seating capacities, and amenities such as outlets, fireplaces, and picnic tables.
Shelter Open Schedule Exceptions:
- Open year-round:
- Open mid-April through mid-November:
- John Wall Family Pavilion in Tenney Park
- Elver Park (enclosed shelter)
- Warner Park
- Olin Park (through October)
Note:
- Picnic shelters are also reservable or available on a first-come, first served basis.
- Madison Parks does not guarantee absolute privacy to any group. Your reservation will reserve only the facility you are using, not the entire park or other facilities within the park. If you are interested in reserving the entire park, please visit Special Events.
- Alcohol is permitted in most Madison Parks. There are a handful of parks that are alcohol-free. In order to have alcohol in these parks, you must have a reservation and an alcohol permit, which can be obtained when placing your reservation.
- Public improvements and/or construction may be underway during the time of your reservation. The City of Madison Parks Division makes every attempt to schedule around events and shelter reservations whenever possible, however, this is not a guarantee. Please keep in mind improvements to parks and infrastructure continues throughout the year. Please visit Park Projects for a partial list of major capital improvement projects.
- Firearms or weapons are not permitted at any of the shelters. Violators may be considered trespassers and may be subject to forfeiture or arrest.
- The availability of Gates of Heaven may be checked online however, you will need to call to make your reservation.
-
Brittingham Park Shelter
Address: 829 West Washington Ave.
Capacity: Seats 150 people
Restrooms: In shelter
Water: Available in shelter
Parking: Parking lot
Alcohol-Free Park: Yes – alcohol permit is required.
Shelter Details
- Most shelters are open mid-April through mid-October (see exceptions below). You may check availability and reserve a shelter for 2021 ONLINE or by calling (608) 266-4711.
-
Slacklining and Hammocking
Slacklining is a balance sport which uses nylon webbing, typically 1"-2" wide, suspended horizontally between two anchor points. Slacklining and hammocking, under policy are allowed at specific times and on specific park trees. In December 2017, the Board of Park Commissioners approved a policy and guidelines for slacklining and hammocking on park trees. The policy provides inforomation on when, where and how. Please review the following documents before tethering on any park trees. View all Slacklining and Hammocking
-
Tennis Court
Open with precautions and adjustments.
PLAY IT SAFE!
Help keep tennis and pickleball courts safe and open during COVID-19 by practicing the following:- Maintain at least 6 feet between people outside of your household at all times.
- Avoid common touchpoints, shared equipment or game balls.
- Do not leave trash behind!
- Consider wearing a face-covering.
- Use hand sanitizer and avoid touching common touchpoints such as gate, nets, etc.
- No organized group tennis: including lessons, team practices, or matches.
- Sports Guidance and FAQs
- View COVID-19 for all impacted City services.
- More information: Public Health Madison & Dane County
Madison Parks has nearly 100 tennis courts. Most of the tennis courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. When courts are reserved, at least one must be left available for pick-up play. Please note that all tennis leagues and all tennis instructors must pay for a reservation, no matter the location. Go to: Athletic Field Reservations
Practice Wall Locations:
Bordner, Brittingham, Elver, Olbrich, Tenney, Waunona and Westmorland
View all Tennis Courts-
Brittingham Park - Tennis Court
Surface: Asphalt
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 4
-
Ultimate Frisbee Field
Ultimate Frisbee fields are typically large open spaces. Organized groups may reserve these fields for their league play using our online reservation system Athletic Field Reservations
FIELDS, OPEN OR CLOSED?
The best and ONLY way to know if your field is open for play is to call the Rainout Line (608)267-8787. Weekdays the line will be updated by 2:00pm, weekends and holidays the line will be updated by 9:00am. The line will be updated if fields are questionable, if no update by times listed, fields are open for play. A notification will be sent to the email address used to reserve an athletic space when a space is closed due to weather.
View all Ultimate Frisbee Fields
-
Brittingham Park - Ultimate Frisbee
-
-
Volleyball Court
Most of the volleyball courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are planning a new league or tournament see Athletic Field Reservations.
View all Volleyball Courts
Warner Park -
Brittingham Park - Volleyball Court
Location: W Washington Ave
Surface: Sand
Lighted: No
Number of Courts: 2
-
-